October 23 Meeting

Prerequisite reading

9:30-10:00 Review of the book and online discussion, continued examination of term theory from a Baurleinian perspective.

10:00-11:50 Extended discussion of theory; review of brain research

11:50-12:50 Lunch

12:50-2:30 Group work on theory presentation

2:30-300 – Discussion of next book

---

September 19 Meeting

9:30-10:00 Review of Prensky and online discussion, examination of term theory

10:00-10:45 TED Video 1 – theory of play in psychological development – 26 min
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/stuart_brown_says_play_is_more_than_fun_it_s_vital.html

10:45-11:10 TED Video 2 – gender games, for girls 14 min
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/brenda_laurel_on_making_games_for_girls.html

11:10-11:50 TED Video 3 – the future of games 21 min
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/david_perry_on_videogames.html

11:50-1:00 Lunch – review websites on wiki (Dewey, Vygotsky, Spiro, Collins)

1:00-2:20 Mini-lesson on theories of learning; discussion of Dewey Vygotsky, Spiro, Collins and how their theories relate to video game playing; preview of next book; save the last line on printed report regarding connectivism; how to do save the last line on the wiki

2:20-300 – TED Video 4 – computer learning aids
http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/david_merrill_demos_siftables_the_smart_blocks.html – and discussion in light of next book

---

theory

1.	a coherent group of general propositions used as principles of explanation for a class of phenomena: Einstein's theory of relativity.

2.	a proposed explanation whose status is still conjectural, in contrast to well-established propositions that are regarded as reporting matters of actual fact.

3.	Mathematics. a body of principles, theorems, or the like, belonging to one subject: number theory.

4.	the branch of a science or art that deals with its principles or methods, as distinguished from its practice: music theory.

5.	a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it; a system of rules or principles.

6.	contemplation or speculation.

7.	guess or conjecture.

---

Origin:
1590–1600; < LL theōria < Gk theōría a viewing, contemplating, equiv. to theōr(eîn) to view + -ia -y 3

---

So, what does Prensky have to do with learning theory? Let's take the discussion a level deeper. To look at Prensky from a theoretical and/or philosophical lens, you ought to juxtapose his ideas with those of well-known researchers and scholars. What would John Dewey (Pragmatism), Lev Vygotsky (Social Constructivism), Rand Spiro (Cognitive Flexibility), and Allan Collins (Situated Cognition) say about Prensky's call for taking gaming seriously?

Here are some handy links to start an exploration of these theorists. (Checking out wikipedia.com, too, is perfectly legal.)

John Dewey
Center for Dewey Studies- this is the digital mecca for Dewey followers
Democracy in Education - written in Dewey's own words, somewhat "thick" reading

Lev Vygotsky
Social Development Theory - a quick summary of Vygotsky's ideas
Social Constructivism and Gaming - very interesting examination, although 6 years old

Rand Spiro
Post-Gutenberg Mind - Spiro's own webpage--click on "an oldie" (under his photo)
Cognitive Flexibility Theory - this article explains it

Allan Collins (and friends)
Situated Cognition - an interesting summary

Just for fun, check this out: Penn State's Educational Gaming Commons

---

FOR BOOK REVIEW:

Check out these websites to get an idea of what a book review is:

http://bestsellers.about.com/od/readingrecommendations/u/readinglists.htm#s1

http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller/

http://www.publishersweekly.com/article/CA6643521.html


Use the discussion area for this page (see tab above) to ask questions or discuss this assignment.

Click here to find rubric for Prensky book review assignment.

---

August 29 Meeting:

1. Introductions

2. Description of semester

3. Looking at the history of curriculum

4. General theoretical models

5. Critical Incidence Protocol

6. What the media says

---